No, not because I have a husband or son. But because I love men, they’re awesome.

But I’m still a feminist. Because I love women too.

I’m a feminist because today, on International Women’s Day 2017- I have seen posts all over social media from offended men.

Yup. Men. Offended. About a day that celebrates women.

Huh?

I am also a feminist because being a woman is fucking hard enough without trying to prove myself because of my gender.

Let me tell you a bit about myself.

I had my first child at 23. My husband was deployed my entire pregnancy, which was hard on both of us. But he was present for the birth, so yay!

I went back to work when my son was 1.5 years old- after completing my university degree as a stay at home Mum. It was hard, but worth it. I got a lot of questions about how I’ll cope being away from him all day. The answer is, I was fine. He was fine.

We both struggled with how much my hubby was away. You see, he was away a lot. He liked to talk about how much he missed his son, although he was barely asked. He was often told, “you’re a great Dad” simply because of the amount he talked about his son.

He is a great Dad!

On the flip side, my abilities as a parent were often questioned because I was away from my son a lot. You know, I was working 8:30-4 everyday (whilst his Dad was away for 6 months at a time).

We even saw a social worker (female) who acknowledged that my son had abandonment issues. Yup. It often happens when the mother goes back to work.

Get fucked. He was fine when I worked five days a week. It’s when his father was deployed that he fell apart.

I am a feminist because women and men both deserve to have careers, and be parents, and not feel guilty about either.

Fast forward three years and not enough has changed.

I had my second child at 27. I went back to work when she was 12 months old.

I now work part time.

Okay, maybe it’s a bit better. But it’s still not good enough.

I am a feminist because I am constantly told that I am lucky to have a flexible workplace.

I am a feminist because I am constantly told that I am lucky to have a husband that supports my career.

Look I don’t take what I have for granted, but I should be the rule- not the exception.

I am a feminist because I believe in the crazy notion that both my son and daughter will grow up to have equal opportunities in education, in the home and in the work place. Without question. Without doubt. Without pay inequality!!

I am a feminist because we have come a far way, but we still have a long way to go.